New Daily Persistent Headache Support Group

I am wondering if you all are able to live a normal life? work, go to you kids sporting events if you have them, travel, etc. I am wondering if this will ever go away and I will be able to do those things. I am questioning if Ill be okay to go to my sons school events when he is older, I dont want to miss anything bc i am so sensitive to light and the pain is to intense. Thanks.

Newmommy3,

I predict you'll get a full range of answers to this. Some of us are "lucky" -- although I've had headaches every day for 20 years, I've been able to finish grad school, get married, help raise 2 kids, work as a professor, and live a "normal" life. Only my family and closest friends know I have headaches. Normally, my pain isn't so bad that I can't do anything (maybe 2 days per month). The light sensitivity would be a real problem; I can only imagine how tough that must be.

What I generally find is that when I HAVE to do something (teach a class, meet some deadline, etc.), the adrenaline kicks in and I can push the pain into the background. However, I pay for it in pain afterwards! Casual social events are harder -- I've never been much for chit-chat, but it's especially hard when I'm aching.

My standard advice to new sufferers is to find a headache specialist who you like. I had several neurologists who were jerks (I think the odds are pretty good in that specialty), but now have one who actually listens to what I'm saying, considers my opinions, and includes me as a full partner in my health care. I'm sure it helps that I have a "Dr." in front of my name, but a really good doctor should treat any patient that way. Even though my pain levels haven't improved much (average 4-5 out of 10), I feel like I'm doing something and have a medical professional partner who will let me know of any options I might not have tried. I guess I feel less helpless this way.

Best of luck to you!

newmommy3, I also used to worry about being able to do things with my family.. I never let my headaches not let me.. I like Kymark, am able to push it back and do what needs to be done. I have never missed one of my sons events. and he is one very busy little boy. He h ad to run 3 miles for his Black Belt test In TKD, I ran some of it with him.. it nerly killed me but I did it.

I am a firm believer in.." you can do what ever yo pt your mind to" if its too bright, wear glasses,, you have a cook out, its hot, leave your hair yet, it helps me get thru the day if my head is cool.. I have shown up at friends houses with my ehad wet and have re wet it at their house,,, they uunderstand and jsut igore it.. cuz they know it is what I need to do to be there. go to the beach werar glasses and a baseball hat ( loosley) and keep wetting it.. it will keep you head cool.

You will adjust, you will learn how to.. trust me it comes from missing out and not wanting too any more.. when the time your kids are in school with events,, you will make it!! trust me

Best of luck.. I hope some of this helps you.

thank you all.